Wooden hull

[2276]

I plan to move a wooden-hull yacht from Florida to Ontario Canada. The yacht has only berthed in Florida. What might be the ramifications of bringing this vessel to a Canadian climate... cold fresh-water, cold air, and dry-dock climates of sub-zero and very dry ~ 25-30% humidity.

[Roger Long]

Mostly good unless the Florida climate has already so weakened the hull that she doesn't make it.

It's not true BTW that fresh water is more likely to create rot than salt. Fresh water is more likely to bring in the fungal spores that ride along on rain drops so it seems that way. If you take care of her properly in Canada she will last a lot longer than she would have in Florida.

[johngsandusky]

I think she'll be fine. I brought a Florida built boat to Long Island NY. It was only a year ago, but she showed no ill effects in winter after 40 years in the south.

[2276]

Thanks to you both, gentlemen... great help/advice!

[Dan McCosh]

Having a 75 year old yacht that has been in the Great Lakes since 1965, I would only add that the fresh-water causes rot is something of a myth. The issue is mainly that rot exists in a range of temperatures and water saturation that is fairly narrow--either dry or wet wood does not rot, and cold temperatures also preserve it. These mean that a fairly cold climate is good for wood boats, salt of fresh. Keeping a wooden boat active, with fresh air and water, seems to be the best for any condition.